The afternoon sun cast golden shadows across Kisor Palace, but the atmosphere within Zidan's office was charged with seriousness. Zidan sat behind his polished wooden desk, his eyes scanning the maps spread before him. Across from him sat Fred, Javer's younger assistant, who had demonstrated sharp intellect and economic acumen during his work in Sigret. Zidan had begun to call him "Uncle Fred," in appreciation of his wisdom beyond his years.
"Uncle Fred," Zidan said, a slight note of perplexity in his voice, as he pointed to piles of manufactured goods appearing in production reports. "We are producing in massive quantities now. Our factories are working non-stop, producing fabrics, tools, spoons, and everything imaginable. But... no one benefits from it but us. Our entire kingdom is at war. Everyone wants to fight us: Frederick, Elianus, the King, and even Prince Geral. Our goods are piling up in warehouses. We must find a solution to this. We must find a market."
Fred smiled calmly, a smile reflecting deep confidence. "My Lord Zidan, I have thought about this a great deal. I have a solution, but it's somewhat military in nature, and it might seem bold."
Zidan raised his eyebrows in curiosity. "Speak, Uncle Fred. I'm listening."
"In the far northeast of Frederick's territories, there is a border town called Sirajiyah," Fred began, pointing to a spot on the map. "Duke Frederick seized it some time ago, and it is under the rule of his powerful aide, Marquis Gregor Stone. This city borders the Kingdom of Rain. The Kingdom of Rain, My Lord, is a peaceful kingdom, suffering from no internal or external wars. It is an entirely suitable place to sell our goods. We can earn more money, build more power, and expand our economic influence."
Zidan looked at Fred, then at the map. His eyes gleamed with intelligence. "So you are asking me to conquer Sirajiyah to sell my goods to the Kingdom of Rain, without any risk from the Kingdom or Frederick?"
"Precisely, My Lord," Fred said. "Sirajiyah is the gateway. If we control it, we can open a safe and stable trade route with the Kingdom of Rain. This will provide us with a huge market for our goods, bring us immense wealth, and strengthen our position as an economic power."
Zidan smiled calmly. This was a bold plan, but it bore the mark of genius. It was a solution to an economic problem, but it required military action. "Well done, Uncle Fred. Excellent idea."
Zidan asked a guard to summon Marion immediately. It wasn't long before Marion, the intelligence chief, entered the office, his face serious, his eyes sharp.
"How may the Directorate guide me?" Marion asked, bowing respectfully.
"Marion, I have a question for you," Zidan said, his voice calm. "If the Kingdom decides to attack us with that terrifying army, numbering 70-80,000 fighters, how long do you estimate it would take for them to reach us with such a large force?"
Marion thought for a moment, then gave precise estimates, based on his spies' information. "My Lord, according to my latest intelligence, this army has not yet been fully formed. It currently comprises about 40,000 soldiers. But if it is fully assembled, in addition to the massive logistical operations that an army of this size would require, they will need at least a month and a half to two months to reach our borders."
Zidan smirked. A month and a half to two months. That was enough time.
"Then, Marion," Zidan said, his eyes gleaming with determination. "If we decide to invade Sirajiyah, will we succeed and breach Frederick's stronghold?"
"Yes, My Lord," Marion replied confidently. "However, we will need to conquer three nobles, two of whom owe allegiance to the King, and the last is loyal to Frederick. They are, in order: Baron Major and his town Majorah, Viscount Fernando and his city Rayson, and finally, Marquis Naroud and his town Masira. After that, we will reach Marquis Gregor Stone, the powerful Marquis and Frederick's friend, who controls Sirajiyah. We need to crush him, then breach Sirajiyah, subdue the remaining Frederick forces there, and force them to retreat towards his capital. Then, we will penetrate Sirajiyah and open the border crossing between Sirajiyah in the Kingdom of Albido and Rink in the Kingdom of Rain."
The plan was clear, fraught with risks, but it held the promise of a prosperous future.
"Well done, Marion," Zidan said. "Deliver my order to Sevara. Tell him to prepare. We will move to Sirajiyah."
Marion was shocked. "But, My Lord! Between us and Sirajiyah are more than 200 kilometers! And more than three nobles and three cities! This is a long and dangerous road!"
Zidan looked at Marion calmly, his eyes holding an undeniable gaze. "If these nobles are with the Kingdom or with Frederick against us, then let Sevara destroy them and annex them to us. If they join us willingly, which I don't believe, then so be it. But I want the road open to Sirajiyah. Prepare yourselves."
Marion reached Sevara, the army commander, in the training ground. The sun had begun to set, and the soldiers were finishing their daily drills.
"Sevara!" Marion said, his voice enthusiastic. "I have orders from the Directorate Guide Zidan!"
Sevara smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Finally! After two months of peace, it's time for a real battle, isn't it?"
"Precisely, My Lord Commander!" Marion said, handing him a scroll of maps and reports. "We will move towards Sirajiyah. Directorate Guide Zidan wants to open a trade route with the Kingdom of Rain."
Sevara's eyes widened. "Sirajiyah? That's ambitious! But it's possible!"
"Yes, My Lord Commander," Marion said, pointing to the maps. "But the path is not easy. The first noble we will face before reaching Sirajiyah is Noble Major, who controls the town of Majorah. After him, next, Noble Fernando who controls the town of Rayson. And finally, Noble Naroud who controls the town of Masira. Then we reach Marquis Gregor Stone in Sirajiyah."
Sevara smiled broadly, the smile of a warrior eager for battle. "No force can stand against our army, Marion. We proved that in Merod. These nobles will be nothing but minor obstacles in our path."
"Directorate Guide Zidan has ordered the preparation of an army of 5,500 soldiers," Marion said. "Led by Marg and Leelin. Armed with flintlock pistols, Napoleon 12-pounder cannons, and 24-pounder culverin cannons."
"5,500 soldiers?" Sevara said, his eyes gleaming. "That's more than enough! We will open the road to Sirajiyah, and we will make them regret the day they stood in our way!"
Sevara began issuing orders. Drums started beating, and soldiers began to assemble. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and enthusiasm. The Human Directorate army was preparing for its next step, a step that would change the face of the entire North, and perhaps the fate of the Kingdom of Albido forever.